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Gophers WR Tyler Johnson is making Minnesota history
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Tyler Johnson might have been slightly underappreciated entering the 2018 season. Despite ranking fifth in the B1G in receiving yards a year ago, the Minnesota wideout wasn’t on many radar screens.
That’s completely changed this fall.
With 10 games in the books, Johnson sits atop the B1G in receiving yardage (948) and touchdowns catches (9). He’s done all that on 62 receptions this fall.
Yeah, talk about a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Johnson’s totals this season aren’t just the tops in the B1G, but it’s also one of best years for a receiver in Minnesota history. According to GopherSports.com, it’s the first time in program history a receiver has reached this particular milestone.
#Gophers @T_muhneyy10 is having a historic season. He is the first Minnesota receiver ever to have at least 62 catches, 948 yards and 9 TDs in one season. https://t.co/dcXxsV4BDf#SkiUMah #RTB pic.twitter.com/B4e3obva59
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) November 13, 2018
That’s pretty impressive, especially with some of the receivers Minnesota has had in its history. You know, names like Eric Decker, K.J. Maye and Drew Wolitarsky. And that’s just recently.
Decker owns the Minnesota record for single-season receptions with 82 and Ron Johnson owns the record for receiving yards and touchdowns, tallying 1,125 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2000.
It’s unlikely that Johnson breaks the reception total this season, but the yardage and touchdown marks are still within reach with two games left. The Gophers have Northwestern and Illinois left on the schedule.
Johnson has eclipsed the 100-yard mark six times this season. Last week against Purdue, he hauled in five passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB